Barcelona have finished off 2025 on top of the pile in Spain and with a four-point lead over Real Madrid in the title race.
It’s been a slightly different story in Europe, with Barca down in 15th place in the Champions League and with work to do when domestic action resumes in 2026.
Here’s a look at what we’ve learned from the season so far…
Joan Garcia was a great idea
Barcelona signed Joan Garcia in the summer and there were plenty of raised eyebrows when the club’s interest in the Espanyol stopper was revealed. There was talk about it being a good ‘market opportunity’ and the goalkeeper duly arrived in deal worth €25m.
Garcia has gone on to prove to be a great bit of business for Barca and looks a real snip already. Injury has interrupted his campaign but he’s now back fit and has been given clear backing by Hansi Flick. The Barca boss has made it crystal clear that Garcia is his No. 1 this season and ahead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczęsny in the pecking order.
Barca’s high line still a problem in Europe
Barcelona may be top of the table in Spain but in Europe it has certainly not be smooth sailing. Indeed Hansi Flick’s side look like they could miss out on automatic qualification to the knockout stages and may have to go through the play-offs instead.
The Champions League has brought some humbling moments for the Catalans. Newcastle were comfortably beaten at St James Park, but Chelsea handed out a lesson, while PSG enjoyed another win over Barca and Club Brugge managed a 3-3 draw in a wild game.
The performances have drawn plenty of criticism with Thierry Henry adamant Barca can’t win in Europe playing this way. Flick’s side may be able to outscore teams in La Liga but it’s not always been the same case in the Champions League this season.
Yet Flick’s not for changing and it will be interesting to see how he approaches the rest of their European fixtures.
Yamal looks good as a No. 10
Lamine Yamal has long been tipped to play as a No. 10 at Barcelona and was given the chance to show what he can do in the role against Real Betis.
It proved to be a masterstroke by Hansi Flick as the Barcelona teenager put in a brilliant performance as Barcelona ran out 5-3 winners in an exciting game.
“We asked him if he would like to play as a ‘10’ and he said yes,” said Flick afterwards. “Everything I saw of Lamine tonight was good. The connection with Roony. The most important thing was his defensive contribution. It was incredible.”
For now Yamal looks set to continue in his usual position on the right of the Barcelona attack, but we’ve certainly been offered a glimpse of Yamal as a 10 and it would be no surprise if he ended up there in the future.
Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin were worth hanging on to
Two of Barcelona’s unlikely heroes this season have been Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin who, let’s face it, have had to put up with plenty of criticism from fans during their time at the club.
Yet both players have managed to turn around their situations and have emerged as really important members of the squad.
The two stars have been fully backed by Flick and have both shown their versatility. Eric’s played across the backline and in midfield, while Martin has moved from left-back to central defence in recent weeks.
Both players have been able to secure contract extensions in 2025 and they’ve shown that, for now at least, they are worth keeping around the Camp Nou.
Rashford makes a strong case to stay
Marcus Rashford made it clear he was desperate to join Barcelona over the summer and was eventually granted his wish after a loan deal was agreed with Manchester United.
There have been plenty of question marks over Rashford since he arrived in Catalunya, but he has certainly posted some decent statistics and delivered a strong case to stay on.
Despite all the speculation about what might happen next with Rashford, it seems logical that Barca won’t make a decision on his future until nearer the end of the season.
Rashford’s had a very decent first half of the campaign but is known for being ‘streaky.’ The big challenge for him in 2026 is to maintain his current form if he is to earn a permanent stay.
